Athgar lifted Kargen's head. Beneath him, a pool of blood grew at an alarming rate, the Orc's face pale and unresponsive. He tried to stem the flow, placing his hands over the injury, but the wound was deep, and the black ichor flowed freely through his fingers. There was yelling outside, and while Athgar was concentrating on trying to help, he didn't even hear others entering the hut.

Moments later, two Orcs seized Athgar, pulling him from Kargen's body.

"That is him," snarled Gorlag, "he has finally shown his true colours and murdered one of our own."

Athgar tried to argue the point, but all he could think of was the body and the ever-widening pool of blood.

It was Laruhk who broke his stupor. He had entered the hut with the rest and was kneeling beside his friend. "He is dying!" he proclaimed. "Send for Uhdrig!"

"She is not here," replied another Orc, the hunter Khorsune. "She is visiting another village."

"Then send for my sister, she is skilled in the arts of healing."

Khorsune rushed from the hut, impelled by the anguish in Laruhk's voice.

"You will die for this!" proclaimed Gorlag. He had been watching, along with the other Orcs, and now stood in the doorway, gloating at the Human who was held tight. "Bring the interloper out for execution," he ordered, triumphantly stepping out into the sunlight.

The Orcs pushed Athgar forward but halted as once again the door hanging was pushed aside, this time to reveal the countenance of Shaluhk.

"Kargen!" she called out, dropping to his side. Blood was everywhere, blackening the ground. She looked closely into her patient's eyes, then turned her attention to his wound.

"The Human tried to kill him," announced Khorsune.

"Do not be ridiculous," she shot back, "Athgar would never do such a thing." She closed her eyes and began drawing forth her power. The air buzzed and her hands glowed bright yellow with magical energy. She placed them on her bondmate's wound, and the flesh began to knit itself back together.

Kargen's eyes fluttered open.

"What happened?" asked Shaluhk.

"It was Gorlag," he replied huskily, "he was trying to kill Athgar while he slept, but I stopped him."

"Is this true?" she asked, looking to the Therengian.

"I don't know," the Human replied, "I woke to them fighting."

"Only the ancestors will know the truth of it," offered Laruhk. "It is Gorlag's word against that of Kargen."

"I saw Gorlag stab him with the knife," said Athgar, "that's when I burned him."

"But you did not see what started it?" asked Laruhk.

"No," he admitted, "but isn't it obvious?"

"Not according to our laws," Laruhk responded.

"So what will happen?" asked Athgar.

Laruhk thought a moment before responding, "The tribe will have to sit in judgement."

"There is another way," offered Shaluhk. "Athgar can demand it be settled by combat."

"Gorlag is an accomplished warrior," said her brother, "he would cut Athgar to pieces."